Literary HackIt's a Wonderful Life vs White Christmas
December 5th 2008 17:38
Many would say It's a Wonderful Life is the definitive Christmas movie. I think that's utter nonsense. This will surely spark some backlash in the film lover's community but I stand by what I say. It's a Wonderful Life is almost entirely depressing except for the very tail end of the movie. Now, I cannot dispute that the actors are of the highest caliber and the writing was excellent as well. I simply prefer movies that don't make me feel like gashing a vein. The uplifting end to an otherwise painful and dreary tale doesn't make up for gloom and doom of the rest of the film.
Christmas is about family and warm gatherings, and taking time to enjoy life and those around you. Having a poor downtrodden man shown just how miserable everyone would be without him is not the same thing. The imperative moral of the story to "have hope even in the darkest times" is eternal I will grant it that. I would still rather watch White Christmas with Bing Crosby. I find the balance of ups and downs much more appealing, and the humor of Danny Kaye warms my heart more than any little girl with a catchy ending one-liner.
Just the coloring alone of White Christmas is so much more inviting and soothing. It truly epitomizes everything holiday in its rich luxurious shades. Now, there are plenty of wonderful black and white films like Harvey (which also stars James Stewart) and classics likeCasablanca. Unfortunately, It's a Wonderful Life doesn't compare in its production quality. Unless of course the producers wanted to you feel as though you were in a dying world of perpetual nighttime. It's a Wonderful Life and White Christmas are night and day on this. White Christmas is a brightly wrapped Christmas present under the tree, while It's a Wonderful Life is the lump of coal in an old stocking that has a tiny fleck of a diamond in the center.
For my money, on a cold December night when I want to watch a holiday film the answer is always White Christmas.
| 37 |
| Vote |
Add To: 
